Safe Gun Handling: A primary question and concern I get from every new shooter is how to properly and safely handle a shotgun? Because this aspect of shooting is so critical, it’s one of the first things I cover at the start of each and every session. Because it’s so important to everyone’s safety, I think it’s valuable for us to take a few moments and revisit some of the simple basics of “safe gun handling”. Plus, it can serve as a good refresher for all shooters regardless of their experience. When arriving at the range or field: 1. Your shotguns should always be stored unloaded and with the actions open! Most Over/Under (O/U) shotguns can be stored in their factory cases, which usually allow for the barrel-set to be removed and stored separately from the receiver and stock. From experience, you should never trust “Snap Caps” to keep you safe! 2. When removing your shotguns from your vehicle, make certain they are unloaded, and that the barrels are free and clear any debris or obstructions. As you move about on the range, carry your pumps and autos in a “Field Port” position… that’s with the actions open and facing outward and held across your body with both hands; and with the barrel pointing skyward. O/U’s should always be carried with their actions broke-open. You can carry it over your shoulder, but always with one hand on the barrels, and with the barrels facing forward and down. Remember, with any shotgun you need to control the muzzle at all times! 3. At the club or on the range, never load shells in your shotgun until you are out on the shooting post or station… and then only moments before it’s your turn to take the shot. Never move from post to post, or station to station, with a shell in your gun. It’s quite simple, so don’t hesitate to learn the manners and etiquette of squad shooting. Never rest or rack a loaded shotgun anywhere! 4. In the field, load your shotgun only when you are at the point to start hunting. Note, that in WA and OR you can only have 3 shells in your shotgun at any time (one in the chamber, two in the magazine). In the field, carry “all” shotguns in the “Field-Port” or hunting position, and with the safety on. Only take the safety off moments before you anticipate a flushing bird and you are set for the shot. At all times when moving between field and vehicle, be certain your shotgun is “completely” unloaded. 5. In the field or on the range, never hand your shotgun to anyone else, for any reason, without first making certain the action is open; the shotgun is unloaded; and the barrel is pointing down-range or in a safe direction. You should police your empty shells whenever possible. On the range, someone always has to pick them up, and in the field we don’t want to be adding anything extra to the environment. As long as we are all mindful of safe and proper gun handling, we should be able to continue to enjoy the shooting sports for many years to come.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Oct 2013 23:00:44 +0000
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